ISRO SAC Scientist/ Engineer Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 49 Posts

Space Applications Centre (SAC), one of the premier research and development centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has released an official notification for the recruitment of 49 highly skilled Scientist/Engineer positions for the year 2026. This recruitment notification, numbered SAC:01:2026 and dated January 23, 2026, offers a prestigious career opportunity for talented engineers and scientists across 16 different specialized disciplines. SAC invites applications from motivated and qualified candidates to contribute to India's space program through cutting-edge research and development in satellite technology, remote sensing, atmospheric sciences, and allied fields.

About Space Applications Centre ISRO

Space Applications Centre (SAC), located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a major research and development center of the Indian Space Research Organisation. Established in 1972, SAC is responsible for the development of airborne and spaceborne instruments, payloads, systems, and ground-based systems for space-based applications such as communications, broadcasting, meteorology, earth observations, disaster monitoring, navigation, and space sciences. The centre has been instrumental in developing satellites like INSAT, GSAT, and various Earth Observation satellites that have revolutionized telecommunications, weather forecasting, and resource management in India. Working at SAC offers scientists and engineers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to national development through advanced space technology.

Recruitment Overview and Post Details

This recruitment drive aims to fill 49 vacancies across two categories of Scientist/Engineer positions: Scientist/Engineer SD (Senior Scale): 4 Posts These are senior-level positions requiring PhD qualification and are designated at Pay Level 11. Scientist/Engineer SC (Entry Level): 45 Posts These are entry-level scientist positions requiring Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc) with Bachelor's degree and are designated at Pay Level 10. The recruitment covers diverse technical domains including RF and Microwave Engineering, Wireless Communication, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science, Power Electronics, Applied Optics, Civil Engineering, Agriculture, Statistics, Physical Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Atmospheric Sciences. This multidisciplinary approach reflects SAC's comprehensive work in satellite systems, remote sensing applications, and atmospheric studies.

Detailed Vacancy Distribution by Discipline

Post Code 01 - Scientist/Engineer SD (RF and Microwave): 2 Posts Post Code 02 - Scientist/Engineer SD (Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication): 1 Post Post Code 03 - Scientist/Engineer SD (Agricultural Physics/Meteorology): 1 Post Post Code 04 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Electronics and Communication): 3 Posts Post Code 05 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Microelectronics/VLSI/Embedded Systems): 10 Posts Post Code 06 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication): 1 Post Post Code 07 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Computer Science for ISRO Centers): 7 Posts Post Code 08 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Computer Science for NESAC): 1 Post Post Code 09 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Power Electronics): 4 Posts Post Code 10 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Applied Optics/Photonics): 1 Post Post Code 11 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Civil/Agricultural Engineering): 1 Post Post Code 12 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Agriculture): 6 Posts Post Code 13 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Statistics/Mathematics): 1 Post Post Code 14 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Physical Oceanography): 1 Post Post Code 15 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Marine Biology): 1 Post Post Code 16 - Scientist/Engineer SC (Atmospheric Science and Oceanography): 8 Posts

Educational Qualification Requirements

For Scientist/Engineer SD Posts (Post Codes 01-03): Candidates must possess a PhD degree in the relevant discipline with the following essential qualifications: • PhD in RF & Microwave Engineering/Electronics/Communication (for Post Code 01) • PhD in Electronics/Communication/Wireless/Satellite/Digital Communication (for Post Code 02) • PhD in Agricultural Physics/Agricultural Meteorology (for Post Code 03) Along with PhD, candidates must have: • M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc (Engineering)/MS/M.Sc with minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.5 on 10-point scale AND/OR • B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc (Engineering) with minimum 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 on 10-point scale AND/OR • B.Sc with minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.5 on 10-point scale For Scientist/Engineer SC Posts (Post Codes 04-16): Candidates need M.E./M.Tech or M.Sc in the relevant discipline with specific minimum percentages: • M.E./M.Tech in relevant specialization: Minimum 60% marks or CGPA/CPI 6.5 on 10-point scale AND • B.E./B.Tech or B.Sc in relevant discipline: Minimum 65% marks or CGPA/CPI 6.84 for engineering degrees, or 60% for B.Sc degrees Important Notes on Qualifications: • All degrees must be from recognized universities/institutions • Only full-time regular courses are accepted • Open and Distance Learning (ODL) courses are NOT eligible • Qualifications must be completed within the stipulated duration prescribed by the university • CGPA/percentage conversion must be as per university norms, without liberal interpretation • 5% relaxation in minimum percentage for SC/ST/PwBD candidates applying for reserved posts

Age Limit and Relaxation

Age as on the closing date of application (February 12, 2026): Scientist/Engineer SD (Post Codes 01-03): • Minimum Age: 18 years • Maximum Age: 35 years Scientist/Engineer SC - M.E./M.Tech based (Post Codes 04-11): • Minimum Age: 18 years • Maximum Age: 30 years Scientist/Engineer SC - M.Sc based (Post Codes 12-16): • Minimum Age: 18 years • Maximum Age: 28 years Age Relaxation as per Government of India Rules: • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years • SC/ST candidates: 5 years • PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 years • PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years (10+5) • PwBD + OBC: 13 years (10+3) • Ex-Servicemen: As per Central Government rules • Central Government Civil employees: 5 years (subject to conditions) The age relaxation is cumulative for eligible categories as per extant Government of India orders.

Salary Structure and Benefits

For Scientist/Engineer SD (Post Codes 01-03): • Pay Level: Level 11 as per 7th CPC • Pay Scale: Rs. 67,100 - Rs. 2,08,700 per month • Initial Basic Pay: Rs. 67,100 per month For Scientist/Engineer SC (Post Codes 04-16): • Pay Level: Level 10 as per 7th CPC • Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month • Initial Basic Pay: Rs. 56,100 per month Additional Allowances and Benefits: • Dearness Allowance (DA): As per Central Government rates (currently around 50%) • House Rent Allowance (HRA): 8%/16%/24% depending on city classification OR subsidized quarters • Transport Allowance: As per government norms • Medical Facilities: Comprehensive medical coverage for self and dependent family members through CGHS or ISRO medical facilities • Leave Travel Concession (LTC): As per Central Government rules • Children Education Allowance: For dependent children • National Pension System (NPS)/Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): Pension benefits • House Building Advance: Loan facility for house construction • Group Insurance Scheme: Insurance coverage • Subsidized Canteen Facility at workplace • Scientific research opportunities and international collaboration exposure • Professional development through conferences, workshops, and training programs The total emoluments package for Scientist/Engineer SD can exceed Rs. 1,20,000 per month and for Scientist/Engineer SC can exceed Rs. 1,00,000 per month depending on location and applicable allowances.

Selection Process

For Scientist/Engineer SD Posts (Post Codes 01-03): The selection involves a single-stage process: • Candidates must register/update their profile in ISRO Live Register portal at www.isro.gov.in • Initial screening will be done based on qualifications, experience, and research profile • Shortlisted candidates will be called for Personal Interview only • Final selection based solely on performance in Personal Interview • Interview will assess technical knowledge, research aptitude, domain expertise, and suitability for the position For Scientist/Engineer SC Posts (Post Codes 04-16): The selection involves a two-level process: Stage 1: Written Test The written test comprises: • Part A: Discipline-specific Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Carries major weightage • Part B: Aptitude and Reasoning MCQs - Tests analytical and logical thinking • Part C: Descriptive Technical Questions - Only for M.E./M.Tech based posts (Post Codes 04-11) The written test will have negative marking of 1/4th mark for each wrong answer in MCQ sections. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in each part separately as well as aggregate marks as specified in the notification. Stage 2: Personal Interview Candidates will be shortlisted for interview in the ratio of 1:5 based on written test performance (minimum 10 candidates per post). For reserved category vacancies, separate shortlisting will be done. The interview assesses: • Technical knowledge and subject clarity • Problem-solving approach • Research orientation • Communication skills • Motivation and career objectives • Understanding of ISRO's missions and projects Final Merit List Preparation: For Scientist/Engineer SC posts, the final merit will be calculated as: • Written Test: 50% weightage • Personal Interview: 50% weightage Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in the interview as specified separately for UR and reserved category candidates.

Application Fee Structure

For Scientist/Engineer SD Posts (Post Codes 01-03): • No Application Fee For Scientist/Engineer SC Posts (Post Codes 04-16): • All Candidates (including General/OBC/EWS): Rs. 750/- • Payment Mode: Online through Bharatkosh portal (Net Banking, UPI, Credit/Debit Card) Fee Refund Policy: • Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates: Full refund of Rs. 750/- if they appear for written test • Other candidates: Refund of Rs. 500/- (after deducting Rs. 250 as processing fee) if they appear for written test • Refund will be processed to the bank account details provided during application • No refund in case of withdrawal or non-appearance in the exam

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: January 23, 2026 • ISRO Live Register Portal Opens: January 23, 2026 (10:00 AM) • Online Application Start Date: January 23, 2026 (10:00 AM) • Last Date for Online Application: February 12, 2026 (5:00 PM) • Last Date for Fee Payment: February 12, 2026 (5:00 PM) • Cut-off Date for Age and Qualification: February 12, 2026 • Written Test Date: To be announced (expected in March/April 2026) • Interview Date: To be announced • Result Declaration: To be announced

How to Apply Online - Step by Step Guide

Step 1: ISRO Live Register Portal Registration (Mandatory) • Visit https://www.isro.gov.in and click on "Career" tab • Click on "ISRO Live Register" • Create new account or update existing registration • Fill complete profile with educational qualifications, experience, and research details • This registration is mandatory and must be completed before applying on SAC portal Step 2: SAC Recruitment Portal Application • Visit https://careers.sac.gov.in or https://www.sac.gov.in • Look for "Scientist/Engineer Recruitment 2026 - Advt No. SAC:01:2026" • Click on "Apply Online" link • Use ISRO Live Register credentials or register fresh on SAC portal • Fill the online application form with accurate details Step 3: Fill Application Form Provide the following information: • Personal details (Name, Father's Name, Date of Birth, Gender, Category) • Contact details (Email ID, Mobile Number, Permanent and Correspondence Address) • Educational qualifications (All degrees from 10th onwards with percentage/CGPA) • Post preference (Select post codes you wish to apply for) • Experience details (if any) • Research publications and patents (especially for SD posts) • Written test city preference (from 18 available cities) Step 4: Upload Required Documents Scan and upload the following documents in prescribed format: • Recent colored passport-size photograph (JPEG format, max 1 MB, 500x500 pixels) • Signature in black ink on white paper (JPEG format, max 1 MB, 700x200 pixels) • Essential qualification certificates (B.Sc/B.E./B.Tech, M.Sc/M.E./M.Tech, PhD) in PDF format (max 1 MB each) • Caste certificate (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates) in PDF format • PwBD certificate (if applicable) in prescribed format from competent Medical Board showing minimum 40% disability • Ex-Serviceman certificate (if applicable) • NOC from current employer (if applicable for age relaxation) Important Upload Guidelines: • Use only JPG/JPEG format for photo and signature • Use only PDF format for certificates • Maximum file size: 1 MB per document • Photograph should be recent (not older than 6 months), colored, passport-size • Signature should be clear, in black ink on white paper • Do NOT upload selfies, group photos, blurred images, or old photographs • All certificates must be clear and legible Step 5: Pay Application Fee (for SC posts only) • After completing the form, click on "Proceed to Payment" • You will be redirected to Bharatkosh payment gateway • Select payment aggregator and payment mode (Net Banking/UPI/Debit Card/Credit Card) • Complete the payment of Rs. 750/- • Save the payment confirmation/transaction ID • Wait for SMS/Email confirmation (may take 24 hours) Step 6: Final Submission • Review all entered details carefully • Verify uploaded documents are clear • Submit the application form • Download and save the application summary PDF • Take printout for future reference • Note down your online registration number Step 7: Written Test City Selection During application, candidates must choose one city from the following 18 cities for written examination: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, New Delhi, Raipur, Ranchi, Thiruvananthapuram Note: SAC reserves the right to conduct the examination in Ahmedabad or any other city based on administrative feasibility.

Documents Required

Candidates must keep ready the following documents in scanned format: • Recent passport-size colored photograph (taken within last 6 months) • Clear signature on white paper in black ink • Class 10th certificate and marksheet (for date of birth proof) • Class 12th certificate and marksheet • Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech/B.Sc) certificate and all semester/year marksheets • Master's degree (M.E./M.Tech/M.Sc) certificate and all semester/year marksheets • PhD degree certificate and thesis completion certificate (for SD posts) • Consolidated marksheet or grade sheet for each degree • Provisional certificate (if final degree certificate is awaited) • Caste certificate issued by competent authority (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL candidates) • Non-Creamy Layer certificate for OBC candidates (valid as on closing date) • EWS certificate (if claiming EWS reservation) • PwBD certificate in prescribed format from Medical Board indicating minimum 40% benchmark disability • Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate (if applicable) • NOC from current employer (if claiming age relaxation on this ground) • Aadhaar card or any other government-issued photo ID proof • Bank account details for fee refund (Account Number, IFSC Code, Bank Name, Branch)

Important Instructions and Guidelines

Multiple Applications: • Candidates can apply for more than one post code if eligible • Separate application fee required for each application • Post Codes 07 and 08 (Computer Science) require separate applications and fees even though discipline is same • Candidates applying for multiple posts should select the same city for written test as SAC may conduct exam simultaneously Reservation Policy: • Horizontal reservation for PwBD candidates: 4% of total vacancies • Reservation for Ex-Servicemen: As per government rules • All 49 posts are currently unreserved (UR) but reservation rules will apply during selection • SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates can apply against UR vacancies Application Guidelines: • Only online applications accepted - no postal/offline applications • Use only one email ID and mobile number throughout • Application once submitted cannot be edited or withdrawn • No refund of application fee after submission (except appearing in written test) • Ensure all information provided is correct and verifiable • Any false information will lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage Written Test and Interview: • E-Admit cards will be sent ONLY via email - no hard copies • Candidates must carry valid government-issued photo ID and admit card to exam center • No TA/DA will be paid for appearing in written test or interview • Canvassing in any form will lead to disqualification • ISRO/DOS reserves the right to cancel recruitment at any stage without assigning reasons Posting and Service Conditions: • Selected candidates may be posted at SAC Ahmedabad or any ISRO Centre/Unit across India • Postings are subject to organizational requirements • Initial appointment will be on probation for 1-2 years • Service rules and conduct rules of Department of Space will apply

Contact Information

For technical queries during online application: • Phone: 079-26915512, 079-26915510 • For general queries: 079-26913022, 079-26913024 • Email: [email protected] • Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays)

Career Growth and Opportunities

A career as Scientist/Engineer at ISRO SAC offers: • Work on cutting-edge space technology and satellite systems • Opportunity to contribute to national missions and international collaborations • Excellent career progression from Scientist SC to SD, SE, SF, SG, and higher levels • Research publication opportunities in reputed international journals • Participation in prestigious space missions and satellite launches • Exposure to advanced technologies in remote sensing, communication, and atmospheric sciences • Job security and stability of a Central Government organization • Comprehensive benefits package including pension, medical, and housing • Work-life balance with defined working hours and leave provisions • Professional networking with top scientists and researchers in the space domain ISRO is known for providing excellent growth opportunities, and meritorious scientists are promoted to higher levels based on performance, experience, and contributions to space programs. This recruitment offers a lifetime opportunity to be part of India's ambitious space exploration journey.